author
Bishop of Poitiers Saint Hilary
d. 366
A fierce defender of Christian teaching in the fourth century, this bishop of Poitiers became one of the Western Church’s most important early theologians. Best known for standing against Arianism, he also left influential writings on the Trinity that shaped Christian thought for centuries.
1 Audiobook
Sancti Hilarii: Epistola Ad Abram Filiam Suam (Circa Finem Anni 558 Missa.) Patrologiae Cursus Completus; Tomus X
by Bishop of Poitiers Saint Hilary
About the author
Born in Roman Gaul around the early fourth century, Hilary of Poitiers was raised in a pagan background and received a strong classical education before converting to Christianity. He was later chosen as bishop of Poitiers, and his learning quickly made him one of the leading church voices in the Latin West.
Hilary is especially remembered for opposing Arianism, the teaching that challenged the full divinity of Christ. His defense of Nicene belief brought him into conflict with powerful figures of his day, and he spent time in exile in the East. That difficult period deepened his theological work, and he became known for helping bring Greek Christian thought into the Latin-speaking church.
His best-known work is On the Trinity, and he was later honored as a Doctor of the Church. He is often remembered as the “Athanasius of the West” for his courage and clarity in controversy. Traditional dates place his death around 367, though some brief listings give 366.